Leeds United vs Salford City - Leeds to avoid an upset

Marcelo Bielsa should pay respects to Salford City and field a strong enough side to win on Tuesday

Salford City recently sealed promotion to the Football League(Getty Images)

Salford City vs Leeds United Tips, Predictions & Free Bets

Two of football's most divisive teams, Salford City and Leeds United, will go head to head for the first time on Tuesday night in the English League Cup.

Salford will see the match as a chance to claim a huge upset, while Marcelo Bielsa is likely to rotate his Leeds United team and give some fresh legs a run-out.

Salford City vs Leeds United Match Details

Date

Tuesday 13th August

Venue

Peninsula Stadium

Competition

English League Cup

Time

19:45 (GMT +1)

Salford City Form & Team News

Salford City made a strong start to their League Two campaign when they defeated Stevenage 2-0 on the opening day, but then got a nasty surprise when they lost 2-0 away at Crawley Town this past weekend.

Graham Alexander's men will see Tuesday's game against Leeds, which is arguably the biggest in their history, as a chance to make a real name for themselves as a football league side.

As a result, Alexander is likely to field a very strong side for The Ammies. Adam Rooney and Emmanuel Dieseruvwe will lead the line for the League Two side, and the rest of the squad is likely to be largely unchanged from Saturday.

Despite being beaten comfortably away from home, Salford will feel their home form is strong and that that could work to their benefit on Tuesday night.

Leeds United are bringing the good times back (Getty Images)

Leeds United Form & Team News

Leeds, like Salford, suffered a setback this weekend after a strong display in front of the television cameras on the opening week.

Marcelo Bielsa's side were left frustrated on Saturday afternoon when they drew 1-1 at home with Nottingham Forest. Despite dominating large portions of the game, United were undone by a silly goal and will be disappointed not to have won the three points.

Bielsa will likely use the game to try out some fresh faces on Tuesday. Summer signings, Helder Costa and Jack Clarke could both feature for The Whites after both impressing in pre-season and coming off the bench in the league.

Leeds are currently the most fancied side with the bookies, with bet365 offering odds of 1.57 on a home win.

Salford City vs Leeds United Analysis- Salford to just fall short

Salford will view Tuesday night as an opportunity to make a real name for themselves, and defeating Leeds would be quite the scalp for the newly-promoted side.

The Ammies will no doubt put on a strong performance and Marcelo Bielsa is smart enough not to underestimate his opponents, but the gulf in quality is likely to be very clear once the whistle is blown. That being said, Leeds could field a considerably weakened side, and if that is the case, then Salford may feel as though they can progress to the second round with a victory.

Salford City Vs Leeds United Tips- Play it safe

The biggest factor in this match will be just how seriously Marcelo Bielsa wants to take the tie. Leeds will have automatic promotion in their crosshairs and the Leeds manager could field a totally different starting 11 to what he did on Saturday afternoon.

If Leeds put out a strong side here, then they should win comfortably if they field a weakened team, then 6.50 with bet365 is excellent value for an upset for the home team. A draw is currently valued at 4.50, whereas Leeds are comfortable favourites at 1.75.

Bielsa is a smart manager though, and he is not likely to underestimate a Salford side who could easily spring an upset. He will put out a side strong enough to get past a spirited Salford.

Verdict

Leeds United are expected to field a strong enough side to overcome Salford City on Tuesday night.

*With your first deposit of $5 or more, you will receive a FREE $3 ticket to play in any $3 paid contest. You must use this ticket within 1 year of depositing. Not redeemable for cash.
New Jersey customers only. 21+ only.
T&Cs and wagering requirements apply.